Importance of Folic Acid Use in Pregnancy

Why is it necessary to take folic acid during pregnancy? Is itnecessary to take folic acid during pregnancy? What does folic acid taken during pregnancy do.. .We answered the questions about theuse of folic acid during pregnancy . Continuereading for detailed informationabout taking folic acid during pregnancy .

What is Folic Acid and Why Use Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

Also known as folate or vitamin B9. Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family and is involved in DNA synthesis and cell division. This makes it a substance that supports conception and maintenance of pregnancy. Moreover, research shows that this vitamin is important for the healthy development of the baby and for the mother to be happy and healthy. In summary, folic acid is a vitamin and its necessity comes from its positive effect on cell division.

Folic acid has effects such as blood production, new cell formation and DNA synthesis in the body. It is recommended for a healthy pregnancy and the development of the baby. On the other hand, its deficiency may cause maternal depression after birth.

Is Folic Acid Essential During Pregnancy?

All nutrients are important during a healthy pregnancy, but folate or folic acid is of particular importance. The need for folate increases in thefirst month and third trimester of pregnancy . For this reason, the mother should take folate from early onand for thefirst three months of pregnancy.

Purposes of Folic Acid in Pregnancy and Before Pregnancy

The consequences of a synthetic deficiency or lack of this component, which is found in small amounts in foods, can be summarized as follows:

  • It is essential for the full development of the fetus as it is important for the formation of the genetic structure of the cell through multiple cell division.
  • Essential for the development of the fetal central nervous system.
  • It is necessary for the prevention of cerebrospinal anomalies.
  • The enlargement of the uterus is also a process of cell division and folic acid is also needed for this.
  • The primary cause of anemia, which is frequently seen during pregnancy, is folic acid deficiency.
  • There are scientific studies showing that folic acid deficiency is also a factor in post-pregnancy depression.

What Causes Folic Acid Deficiency and Are There Symptoms?

What causes folic acid deficiency? The use of folic acid during pregnancy is recommended for expectant mothers of all ages. However, some expectant mothers may be severely deficient in folic acid. So, what causes folic acid deficiency in humans?

  • Not eating foods rich in folic acid and B12.
  • Having a condition that interferes with the absorption of folic acid (such as irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Going to the toilet too often because of a kidney or liver problem.

Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency

  • Fatigue
  • Mouth sores
  • Tongue swelling
  • Growth problems
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Excessive sleep
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irritability

Foods Rich in Folic Acid

Folic acid supplementation is important during pregnancy, but it should be known that some foods are also rich in folic acid and a nutrition plan should be made accordingly. So, which foods contain folic acid?

  • Green lentils
  • Greenery
  • Citrus fruits
  • Asparagus
  • Dried Beans
  • Broccoli
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Avacado

A Recipe Rich in Folic Acid for Those Who Cannot Eat Meat 🙂

wash 1 tea glass of green lentils. Put a tablespoon of extra virgin hot pressed olive oil and a teaspoon of butter into the pressure cooker. When the butter melts and gets slightly hot, put a big onion cut into cubes and roast it. Add 1 carrot and 1 medium-sized potato cut into small pieces and roast them. Now put less than a tablespoon of tomato paste in a glass of water and add warm water and let the tomato paste dissolve. Add the lentils into the roasted vegetables and finally add the extra 1.5 cups of water with tomato paste and close the pressure cooker. Your meal cooked over low heat with the pressure of the pressure cooker is rich in folic acid, iron and fiber. It will also be very satisfying. It will be a thick dish, not watery, and goes very well with yogurt. Add salt and spices (cumin and black pepper are very good) later so that they retain their flavor.

A Practical Menu with Plenty of Folic Acid for Breakfast:)

The classic Turkish breakfast is great, but it’s hard to prepare all those jams and cheese varieties every day. We have a more practical, lighter and more vitamin-rich suggestion for you. Wash all your leafy greens such as arugula, cress, parsley, dill, spinach and purslane. Let them dry a little on a clean cloth. Now find wide and deep storage containers. Divide these folic acid-rich leafy greens into them in equal proportions by plucking the leaves with your hands (not by cutting them with a knife). Each bowl should have a mixture of the same ingredients. Sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds…these were also rich in folic acid. Sprinkle with these. These nuts will also give a crunchy flavor. Now dice your favorite cheese. Every morning, take out one of these bowls, add extra virgin olive oil, boiled hard-boiled eggs, a few pieces of dried bread, a little salt, lemon juice and enjoy this delicious salad for breakfast.

Sources:

  1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysel Özdemir, Folic Acid Use in Pregnancy,
  2. Bilgiç, D., Dağlar, G., Özkan, S. A., & Kadıoğlu, M. (2015). Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Postpartum Depression. KASHED, 2(2), 13-35

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